1855] REASONS FOR HUNTING-. 229 



had ridden pffij miles fo covert, from Cambridge to meet the 

 Fitzwitliam hounds and hack afjain; and his friend, ivho had 

 ridden the same distance and returned with him, dropped off 

 his horse jnst Ijefore reaching Camhridge, and loas carried in 

 an exhausted state to the nearest house ! — CM. 



N.B. — We did not receive this song in time to insert 

 it on page GO of Vol. L, where it ought to have come. 



REASONS FOR HUNTING. 

 By Rev. H. R. Wolley. 



I've oft been asked by coui-tly swains 



And men of sober pace, 

 Wliat joy I take in woocls and j^lains, 



What pleasure in the chase ? 

 Now tho' these beagling souls I scorn, 



For once I'll not disdain, 

 To tell them why I rise each morn, 



And seek the field again. 



The well-tried pack, the gladsome cry 



My soul with joys inspire. 

 Each echoing wood, each copse we try 



Excites some new desire. 

 The cheerful sound of horn and hound 



Can every care restrain. 

 And thus I think a reason's found. 



To seek the chase again. 



When thoughts of fleeting years I trace. 



And sigh o'er spoils of time, 

 The generous steed, with quickening pace 



Makes youth again be mine. 

 Not Fortune's frowns can work me woe. 



Nor falsehood give me jiain, 

 When once I hear the " Tally-ho " 



That brings the chase again. 



The social glass more bright appears, 



And beauty's smile more dear. 

 When glowing health my spirit cheers 



And Hope's gay dreams appear — 

 These in the joyous chase abound, 



'Midst Pleasure's cheer tul reigu ; 

 And thus another reason's found 



To seek the chase again. 



